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IC Savings launches career development program for recent college and university graduates

TORONTO, May 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Recognizing that a lack of work experience remains one of the most common barriers to securing employment, IC Savings announced today the launch of Career HeadStart. Targeting post-secondary graduates, this 12-month paid internship program will offer valuable workplace experience, mentoring, and training and networking opportunities so that they can successfully bridge the gap between school and career.

With Career HeadStart, the GTA-based credit union will hire recent graduates for an incremental ten entry-level positions at its retail branches in the Greater Toronto Area, or its various business units, including mortgage lending and finance. There are currently six retail branches, with a seventh slated to open this summer in Etobicoke.

Candidates are eligible to apply if they meet certain criteria: they have been unable to find work in line with their academic track and career interests, they have graduated from an accredited Canadian college or university and have been out of school for at least six but not more than 24 months.

"Career HeadStart is our way of acting on our mandate for community development. We're investing in people and developing their potential and talents," said Fausto Gaudio, president and CEO of IC Savings. "Career HeadStart aims to help build the next generation of talent in the financial services sector, and credit unions in particular." This training and development initiative is part of a broader commitment by the credit union to employee training and development.

IC Savings will undertake to hire at least 10% of its current workforce each year through this long-term initiative.

"Ontario's economy is projected to be one of the fastest growing in Canada thanks in large part to our diversified economy and our skilled and experienced workforce. In order to ensure Ontario continues to thrive, we need to ensure our young people are given the opportunities and tools they need to succeed," said The Hon. Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance. "I commend IC Savings for providing Ontario youth with valuable experience which will help them thrive in today's knowledge-based economy."

Successful candidates will gain a foothold in the challenging job market, acquiring hands-on experience and quality skills training to complement their related field of study. They will acquire fundamental job skills in retail banking during the 12-month placement, and through mentoring, they will develop valuable soft skills, including critical thinking, selling and time management. They will also learn about the broader Canadian financial co-operative system and model.

"On-the-job training, like your paid internship program, is vital for recent graduates - it gives them a chance to prove themselves and get the experience they need to succeed throughout their careers," said The Hon. Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour. "And I know that IC Savings will also benefit from this program - bringing in young people with new ideas will breathe fresh life into any organization, and I'm sure it will lead to innovation at this great company."

Interested candidates are invited to visit the careers section at www.icsavings.ca for complete program details, to view the job postings and to apply. Application deadlines will vary by position and will be listed on each posting.

"IC Savings believes in a strong financial service sector, and Career HeadStart allows us to support both its growth and its success by investing in our community," added Mr. Gaudio.

About IC Savings (Italian Canadian Savings & Credit Union Limited)With roots in the Italian-Canadian community, IC Savings is a financial co-operative that began in 2000, and has grown to become Ontario's 16th-largest credit union by asset size. It aims to deliver a better banking experience to its members (customers), whether online, by mobile or in-branch at its current six locations in the Greater Toronto Area. A seventh location is slated to open in summer 2016 in Etobicoke. To learn more, visit www.icsavings.ca